Gathering In The Sun
Sunshine Chapter National Meet
Eustis, Florida, March, 2006
By Joe and Ann Martin

Again this year the weather was great for our Sunshine Chapter meet. I saw lots of red noses and foreheads of people that forgot to wear head coverings. According to the weather reports, you could get a sunburn in under 20 minutes!

On Thursday afternoon we laid out the vending spots with the additional help of Chan Hatley and Raymond Miller from the Blue Ridge Chapter. We sure appreciated the help! Promptly at 6:00 p.m., the gates were opened to allow the pre-registered vendors on the grounds -as always there was a mad rush for the gate. My husband Joe directed traffic while Margaret Damiano handed out information packages. Fourteen minutes later the rush was over! Solving vendor problems was much easier this year due to JoAnn Kreller, our vendor coordinator's, having all necessary information readily available on her laptop computer when questions came up.


Boy, this sun is great, see how brown I've gotten.

On Friday morning we had the usual rush through the gate in search of that last NOS part to complete a winter project. JoAnn checked in late-arriving vendors; Sylvia Bowman, Marcy Reko and I opened the sign-in desk. Those meet T-shirts were like hot cakes for a while.

On Saturday morning, 28 bikes lined up at the gate to go on John Bowmanís now famous road ride. The youngest rider was Ramsey Allen (age 18) and the youngest passenger was Evan Block (age 8). The oldest rider was Raymond Miller at 77 years young! Word has it that it was one of the best road runs John has ever put on. It was approximately 80 miles through the central Florida countryside. Bob Reko and Joe Martin manned the back-up vehicle which wasn't needed, thank goodness.

Saturday afternoon, the field games were conducted by Dewey Bond, our chapter president. There was a good crowd on hand to observe the games. The results were: Slow ride -First; Roy Cole, Second; Tim Gall. Tire Toss -First; Moe Hillier, Second; Metal Flake Herb. Barrel Wrap -First; Metal Flake Herb, Second; Dale Walksler. Box Race -First; Ramsey Allen, Second; Metal Flake Herb. Our overall winner -Metal Flake Herb!


Head table at the banquet, John and Sylvia Bowman, Kevin Valentine, Rocky Halter, Mr. & Mrs. Bob McClean, JoAnn Kreller, Gene Bevilacqua. Missing from the photo was Dewey Bond, our chapter president.


Joe and Margaret Damiano enjoying dessert.

On Saturday evening, 67 people gathered for our banquet. Prime rib and turkey mignon, with a delicious apple dessert, was enjoyed by all. Then the drawing for door prizes and John Bowmanís famous woodwork treasures. Almost everyone got something.

On Sunday morning a total of 80 bikes were lined up in the judging arena. There were many fine examples of machines from the first 70 years of the 20th Century. We would like to extend a special thanks to all who made this a highly successful meet; especially the judges and those members who worked many long hours throughout the year to insure the success of this meet.

On behalf of the Sunshine Chapter, we look forward to seeing everyone next year!



JoAnn Kreller checking in vendors.


Ann Martin and Sylvia Bowman manning the registration desk.


Rest stop during John Bowman's road run.


Roy Chapman with his Harley 45 ready to start the road run.